London council heeds police request to launch expedited review of venue license after two die in incident

Lambeth Council has accepted a request from the Metropolitan Police to conduct an expedited review of a music venue's license following an incident at the premises which led to the death of two people.

The London Borough's Licensing Sub-Committee convened today (22 December) to discuss interim changes to the O2 Academy Brixton's license after a fatal crush occurred at the venue last week.

The council convened the meeting after receiving an application from the Met for a 'Summary/Expedited review' of the license under Section 53A (of the Licensing Act 2003) on Tuesday (20 December), which places a duty on the Local Authority to hold a hearing within 48 hours.

Powers set out in sections 53A to 53C of the Act allow the police to trigger a fast-track process to review a premises licence where the police consider that the premises are associated with serious crime or serious disorder (or both).

It also allows the Licensing Authority to respond by taking interim steps quickly, where appropriate, pending a full review.

Under the 2003 Act, councillors may modify the conditions of the premises licence to restrict the venue's capacity, demand extra stewarding, stop alcohol sales or suspend the venue's licence.

In a statement announcing the review, a council spokesperson said Lambeth is "fully playing its role in the investigations that are now underway".

The council added: "We are determined that answers must be found as to why these awful events occurred.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson who lost their lives, as well as with those who remain in hospital and those suffering the trauma of witnessing such distressing scenes at one of our borough's live music venues."

The venue is currently closed ahead of the review.

Adam Carey